Mother's difficulties inspired dieter

Monday

Through this occasional feature, Life & Arts shares the success stories of central Ohioans who have met health and fitness goals.

Through this occasional feature, Life & Arts shares the success stories of central Ohioans who have met health and fitness goals.

Her mother wanted for Sue Anderson what she herself couldn't have: good health.

At 160 pounds, Anderson is half the woman she once was.

The 53-year-old credits her mother, Deloris Workman, for inspiring her.

"We were very close," said Anderson, of Reynoldsburg. "She was obese, had high blood pressure and diabetes. She always told me she didn't want me to be like that."

Here's how Anderson accomplished her weight loss.

Q: How did you decide to take control of your life?

A: My mother passed away in 2003. At my highest point, I weighed 319 pounds. I did not want to continue the way I was -- taking medicines for sugar and for high blood pressure.

I wanted to do something to make Mom proud.

Q: What worked for you?

A: A counselor recommended Optifast. In July 2005, I went to the East Side office of the Central Ohio Nutrition Center. . . . I chose the strict liquid diet. In January, I reached my goal.

Q: Was the plan hard to follow?

A: To me, it wasn't. The first couple of weeks were a little hard, but I had my mind set. I just took my shake and pretended it was whatever I wanted it to be -- my spaghetti, my pizza, whatever.

It's a mental game -- whatever it takes to get you through it.

Q: Did you have support?

A: Yes. My husband, Tom, never asked me to cook for him during that year and a half. My daughter (Crystal Telecsan of Reynoldsburg) and son (Michael Anderson of Whitehall) were behind me.

Q: How did people react when you reached your goal?

A: They could not believe it. The center has called me back to talk to orientation sessions. And I was chosen to fly to California to be in a weight-loss commercial in March.

Q: Have you maintained your new weight?

A: I lost about 170 pounds. I was down to 140, but I knew I would gain some back; that was almost too low. Now, I'm at 160.

I've gone from a size 3X to a size 10. Buying new clothes has been the most fun.

Q: How do you eat and exercise now?

A: I do salads, fish and chicken, fresh fruit. I just eat sensibly; they taught me how. I might go off once in a while, but I always try to make up for it. I go to Curves (gym) about three times a week.

Q: What are the best aspects of your weight loss?

A: I'm able to do things I couldn't do before. I don't take diabetes or blood-pressure medicines. My knees don't hurt. . . . I'm not out of breath.

Q: How would you encourage others?

A: I'd tell them not to wait as long as I did. Go for it. Rely on God for your help.

-- T.R. Fitchko

tfitchko@dispatch.com

YOU TELL US Have you met a health or fitness goal? We're interested in folks who reached that ideal weight, ran that marathon, dropped 6 inches from that waistline or simply got themselves in better shape for their children. Tell us how you did it -- and what you would advise other people. Send your story to .

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